Ultimate Moalboal Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

Hey there, adventurer! 🌟 Are you in Cebu City and keep hearing the buzz about "Let's go to Moalboal for sardines and canyoneering!"? Well, I'm here to help you check off that bucket list! Just a friendly heads-up, I earn a small commission through these affiliate links, so you're also supporting someone's dreams. Thanks a bunch! 😊

HOW TO GET THERE
WHAT TO DO?
WHERE TO STAY
RESTAURANTS AND CAFE MUST TRY

How to Get there

First things first: HOW TO GET THERE. There are three ways to reach Moalboal: bus, van, or private car/taxi. Back when I started going solo to Moalboal in 2021, the van and bus terminals were separate. Now, they're conveniently located at the same terminal! Yay!

Via Bus/Van:

Take a taxi to 📍South Bus Terminal. The van terminal, which used to be near USC, is now here too.

₱180 for a van ride
₱209 for an air-conditioned bus

Buy your tickets at the terminal. For the return trip, you can pay during the ride.

Arriving in Moalboal: Get off at Jollibee Moalboal. From there, take a motorcycle or tricycle to your accommodation.

Via Taxi/Private Car:

If you prefer a hassle-free ride without worrying about finding parking spots, you can book a private car. But if you’re on a budget and willing to take a taxi, no problem! Rates to and from Moalboal start at ₱3500 for a 3-hour trip each way.

If you don’t know anyone, I have a friend who’s an excellent driver and has driven me there many times! Just be sure to message him a day or two before your Moalboal trip.

DRIVER'S NAME: JOHN

CONTACT NUMBER: 09273497854 / 09912934885

BOOK an alternative ride anytime

dont forget to use my code for 10% discount

"PASSPORTLOCA"

Returning to the city: Head back to where you arrived in Moalboal and wait for a bus van or taxi. You can buy tickets onboard or during the ride, with payment also accepted afterward.

TAKE NOTE: The last trip to the city leaves at 8 PM, and the first trip starts at 1 AM.

What to do in MOALBOAL

Sardines run (freedive/snorkel)

Panagsama Beach is a hub of activity where you're welcomed by sardines and turtles the moment you step onto the sand—perfect for snorkelers! During my earlier visits, boats seemed to be everywhere, which made snorkeling a bit dicey. But on my recent solo trip to Moalboal, I noticed they've established clear boundaries between snorkelers and boats, prioritizing safety and peace of mind. It's a relief to see!

If you're into snapping Instagram-worthy freediving photos (which was a big reason I returned), Moalboal Underwater Adventures is the way to go. Their 3-4 hour dive includes visits to three spots, two awesome guides, masks, freediving fins, GoPro rental, and a buoy—all for PHP 1700. Trust me, it's worth every peso for the amazing shots and experience. Even if you're a newbie, they're patient and will teach you the perfect pose.

I've done my fair share of freediving before, but without those fins and guides, I quickly turned into a nervous wreck! Managing my breath was a whole new challenge. The pressure to nail that perfect shot by the mermaid statue and table was intense—I couldn't catch my breath with everyone waiting, but the team was so understanding and supportive. Don't hesitate to take your time and enjoy the moment!

Kawasan falls canyoneering

photo by: hwehyong

No judgment at all! It's actually funny to admit that despite being a local, I've never tried canyoneering. They say it's exhausting and a whole day affair. I've been to Kawasan Falls for a swim when I was younger with my family, but every time I plan to join friends I've met while traveling, something always seems to get in the way—like Kawasan Falls being closed for cleaning or the tours being fully booked. It's become a running joke! Lesson learned: book your canyoneering adventure as soon as you arrive at your accommodation—it's a popular activity there!

Where to stay in moalboal?

Here are some accommodations I've booked before. Feel free to choose what’s convenient for you. I’ll provide pointers and honest feedback about each place. I lost some of my photos, but hopefully, booking.com photos can help you out.

chief mau
maayong hostel
hangover hostel
sunset paradise moalboal
casa de moalboal
oceanfront scuba villa moalboal
pig dive hostel
seascape

CHIEF MAU

**Disclaimer:** All photos are from booking.com. Credits to the owners.

Chief Mau Moalboal Cebu is your ultimate chill spot! With a restaurant, garden, bar, and shared lounge, you’ll have everything you need. Just a stone's throw from Panagsama Beach (100m) and Basdiot Beach (300m), and 26 km from the stunning Kawasan Falls, adventure is right at your doorstep.

Enjoy free WiFi and easy access to an ATM. Rooms come with air conditioning, and some even have balconies for that extra touch of awesome. We’ve got your essentials covered with bed linen and towels.

Get ready to have a blast with billiards and darts, or dive into some epic snorkelling. The nearest airport, Sibulan, is just 80 km away. Come and join the fun at Chief Mau Moalboal Cebu!

PROS:

Clean & Spacious Rooms: Enjoy rooms that are tidy and roomy.
Great Air Conditioning: Stay cool with excellent air conditioning.
Tours & Food: They provide tours and delicious meals.
Entertainment Area Above the Rooms: Above the rooms, there's an entertainment area.
Social Hostel: It's a hostel where socializing is encouraged.
Great Location: Conveniently located.
Accessible ATM: An ATM is nearby and easily accessible.

MAAYONG HOSTEL

MAAYONG HOSTEL is a quiet and chill hostel on Panagsama Road in Basdiot, ideally located 250 meters from Panagsama Beach and the famous sardine run, and just a 2-minute walk from bars, restaurants, and nightlife. THIS hostel is for people who works remotely, chill and quiet.

The hostel offers a bar, restaurant, shared lounge with hammocks and bean bags, garden, and free motorbike parking. Guests can enjoy activities such as canyoneering, snorkeling, scuba diving, waterfall chasing, swimming with whale sharks, and trekking to Osmeña Peak. Free fiber WiFi is available throughout the property.

Accommodation includes air-conditioned bungalows with private balconies, outdoor tropical showers, and hammocks with garden views. The dormitory features 12 beds, shared bathrooms, hot/cold showers, and private lockers. For eco-friendly reasons, the AC is turned off from 9 AM to 5 PM, but staff can turn it on if requested.

MAAYONG HOSTEL also offers a Superior Queen Room with a unique design, queen-size bed, private terrace, smart TV, hot/cold shower, coffee/tea kettle, and a beautiful garden view.

HANGOVER HOSTEL

The Hangover Hostel offers a garden, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. Facilities include a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi throughout the property.

Each room has a patio and a private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms have terraces and garden views.

Basdiot Beach is 1.1 km away, and Kawasan Falls is 26 km away. The nearest airport is Sibulan Airport, 79 km from the hostel.

PROS:

CLEAN rooms, bathroom, shower and common areas
a minute walk to the newly built Food Centre.
they offer laundry - PHP 100.00/KG

CONS:

No towels provided. Bring your own or rent one for PHP 50.00 (deposit: PHP 150) for your entire stay.
No shampoo or soap provided. Bring your own.
It's a 7-minute walk to the bars and restaurants.
Wifi is not that good, if youre working remotely.

SUNSET PARADISE MOALBOAL

Located in Moalboal, just 200 meters from Panagsama Beach, Sunset Paradise Moalboal offers a terrace, allergy-free rooms, free WiFi, and family rooms. Each room has a patio, and some feature mountain views and balconies.

Basdiot Beach is 400 meters away, and Kawasan Falls is 26 km away. The nearest airport is Sibulan Airport, 80 km from the hotel.

PROS:

PET FRIENDLY: You can bring your furbabies without additional cost.
Conveniently located next to Blue Mango/Isla Bar and other restaurants.
Very clean and affordable rooms.
They offer earplugs, which I really appreciate haha.
Great air conditioning, and the WiFi is excellent.
Check-in is until 12 AM.

CONS:

nothing really. the best!

CASA DE MOALBOAL

If you want a chill and laid-back stay away from the noise of clubs and bars, where you can just hear the waves and birds chirping, this stay is for you. While I've never checked in here myself, my friends invited me for a pool and snorkel day, giving me the chance to explore this beautiful property. I'm truly honored to have been invited!

Casa de Moalboal in Moalboal features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private bathrooms, close to Panagsama Beach and 25 km from Kawasan Falls. The homestay offers a patio with pool views, an open-air bath, and a garden. Guests can enjoy water sports facilities, airport transfers, and bicycle rentals.

Rooms include mountain views, private entrances, and some have terraces or balconies with sea views. Guests can enjoy Ã la carte and American breakfast options with pancakes and fruits each morning. There's also an on-site lounge and packed lunches available.

Activities like snorkeling are popular, and the homestay offers a picnic area for outdoor enjoyment.

OCEANFRONT SCUBA VILLA

Looking for a villa that’s perfect for four? Well, renting the whole house sounds like a brilliant idea! For just PHP 3000/day, you get to enjoy:

- 2 rooms (1 queen room, 1 twin bedroom) each with its own bathroom

- Common toilet

- Fully equipped kitchen

- Gated garage

- Relaxing pool

- Entertainment room with a balcony and billiards

- Spacious patio for catching sunsets

- Beach access

Note: These gems are a rare find on booking.com. If you want to book, I have the caretaker’s messenger details. Shoot him a message to check availability!

PIG DIVE HOSTEL

A container van hostel! wow! Located in Moalboal, just 1.5 km from Panagsama Beach, Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a terrace, and a bar. Guests can enjoy facilities such as a shared kitchen and lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property.

Each room at the hostel includes bed linen and towels for your convenience.

NOT ALLOWED IN THE PREMISES:

Child Policies: Children are not allowed.
Age Restriction: The minimum age for check-in is 18 years old.
Pets: Pets are not allowed at this property.

SEASCAPE MOALBOAL

SEASCAPE in Moalboal is just steps from Panagsama Beach and 400 meters from Basdiot Beach. Offering air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, this beachfront guest house features a terrace, free private parking, and free WiFi. Family rooms are available.

Each room includes a kettle, and all units boast a balcony with sea views. Guests can enjoy an à la carte and continental breakfast, with room service available. The on-site restaurant specializes in American cuisine and is open for dinner, lunch, and brunch.

Activities like snorkeling are popular in the area around SEASCAPE.

PROS:

You've got easy access to the sardines beach, and downstairs, there's a restaurant and bar ready to keep you fueled up. Plus, there's a wide balcony perfect for catching those stunning sunsets.

CONS:

Since it’s right in front of the beach, the boats are like that one friend who just won’t stop honking their horn—loud and unapologetic.
Sleep was alright, but the bed was a dust bunny paradise thanks to the "rattan-like" ceiling. Not sure if they’ve redecorated since then.
The mirror? Well, it’s so high up I had to climb on the toilet cover just to see my own face. Talk about a balancing act!
Oh, and the mosquitoes on the balcony? They’re throwing a full-blown rave. Don’t forget your repellent unless you want to be the main course!

Restaurants & Cafes